California Racial Mascots Act prompts mascot changes at three Fresno Unified schools

FRESNO, Calif. (FOX26) — Three Fresno Unified schools will head into the coming school years with new mascots after the district completed a community-driven selection process tied to a new state law restricting Native American-related school imagery.

Fresno Unified announced new mascots for Tenaya Middle School, Tioga Middle School and Lowell Elementary School.

Tenaya will now be the Titans, Tioga is the Hawks, and Lowell is the Lions.

The changes align with Assembly Bill 3074, also known as the California Racial Mascots Act, which expands restrictions on the use of Native American-related mascots, team names, and nicknames in California public schools.

The district said the work followed Fresno Unified’s Community Engagement Guardrail and included a mascot change committee with representatives from site leadership, Culture and Student Inclusion, Communications, and American Indian Education.

Fresno Unified also gathered multiple rounds of feedback through surveys conducted throughout the process, with the goal of involving students, families, and staff in the decision-making.

“The mascot selection process was a powerful example of what can happen when a school community comes together around a shared purpose. The process strengthened connections across our community and reminded us of the importance of listening to and learning from one another,” said Kevin Evangelinos, principal at Tioga Middle School.

Ryan Duff, principal at Tenaya Middle School, said, “The mascot selection process became a meaningful opportunity for our school community to learn more about different cultures, perspectives and the impact that names and symbols can have on others. We were especially intentional about listening to our Native American students and families, whose perspectives helped deepen our understanding and guide the process.”

Jennifer Her-Yang, principal at Lowell Elementary School, said, “Our school’s name and mascot change proudly reflect the voices of our students, staff and families through discussions and surveys. Their shared excitement has made this a joyful celebration of unity, inclusivity and belonging for every student. Our students have been at the heart of the process, building a true sense of ownership and pride in who we are becoming and where we attend school.”